This is a brief column, thanks to a four day
holiday to celebrate the 4th of July,
Independence Day. On July 29th, I will also
celebrate my 70th year in this glorious country.
I have had a wonderful life in New York. I
received two degrees from New York University. I
received grants to study at 6 other universities
in three other countries. I was a Spanish
teacher for 10 years and a high school Assistant
Principal for 20 years. I have been a celebrity
photographer with the New York Post for 40
years, and photographed all my favorite
celebrities. I was on the Tony Nominating
Committee for 3 years from 2000-2003. I have
been on the Executive/Nominating Committee of
Outer Critics Circle for 40 years, and a member
of Drama Desk. Besides being a theatre critic, I
also review ballet, opera, film and cabaret. I
have had a privileged life, and I am very
grateful.
One of the most enjoyable
afternoons in the summer in New York City is the
19th Annual Broadway Barks Animal Adoption Event
in Shubert Alley. I photographed the hosts, Bernadette
Peters and Malcolm
McDowell (photo below)
at the Booth Theatre, and other celebrities
like Michael
Cerveris, who always
brings his own dog,
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Jayne Houdyshell, Laurie Metcalf, Katrina Lenk, Mimi
Lieber, and Sophia
Anne Caruso (photo below)
and numerous others. The cause is wonderful,
and the dogs are adorable. MaryTyler
Moore co-hosted
with Bernadette at the first event and continued
for many years afterwards. Their love for the
animals was self-evident. A prize is now given in
Mary's name. I have attended every event and
photographed all the famous celebrities. It is one
of the sweetest events of the year.
The Mid-Manhattan Library, 455 Fifth
Avenue, presented State of the Union, by Frank
Capra, USA, 1948, starring Spencer
Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Angela Lansbury, Adolphe
Menjou and Van
Johnson. It is about a non-politician (Tracy),
who is persuaded to run for President. It reveals
all the deals that various power groups make to gain
power. It is a cynical view of politics and
politicians in the United States. It is a wonderful
film, and the acting by every actor is superb. It is
a pleasure to watch a serious, intelligent, powerful
film with brilliant dialogue.
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